# Nurieux-Volognat

> commune in Ain, France

**Wikidata**: [Q271322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271322)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurieux-Volognat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nurieux-volognat

## Summary
Nurieux-Volognat is a commune located in the Ain department of France, within the arrondissement of Nantua. Established in 1973 through the merger of two villages, it is a small rural municipality with a population fluctuating around 1,000 residents. The commune is served by the Gare de Nurieux railway station and is part of the broader administrative structure of the French Republic.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France
- **Location**: Ain department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France
- **Arrondissement**: Nantua
- **Inception**: March 1, 1973 (merger of Nurieux and Volognat)
- **Population**: Varied over years (e.g., 1,025 in 2020, 1,054 in 2018, 1,028 in 2017)
- **Coordinates**: 46.180277777778°N, 5.5219444444444°E
- **Website**: [http://www.nurieux-volognat.fr](http://www.nurieux-volognat.fr)
- **Railway Station**: Gare de Nurieux (serving the commune)
- **Administrative Context**: Part of the French decentralized governance system under the Ain department
- **Historical Context**: Created during the post-1960s municipal reorganization period in France

## FAQs

**What is the administrative status of Nurieux-Volognat?**
Nurieux-Volognat is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, located within the Ain department and the arrondissement of Nantua. It operates under the decentralized governance system of the French Republic, with local elected officials managing municipal affairs.

**When was Nurieux-Volognat established?**
The commune was officially created on March 1, 1973, through the merger of two previously separate villages: Nurieux and Volognat. This consolidation was part of broader municipal reforms in France during the 1960s and 1970s aimed at improving administrative efficiency.

**What is the population of Nurieux-Volognat?**
The population has fluctuated slightly over recent years, with recorded figures including 1,025 (2020), 1,054 (2018), and 1,028 (2017). Historical data shows lower numbers in earlier decades, such as 567 in the 1960s, reflecting rural demographic trends in France.

**Where is Nurieux-Volognat located?**
It is situated in eastern France, within the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The commune lies at coordinates 46.180277777778°N, 5.5219444444444°E, in a rural area near the Swiss border.

**Does Nurieux-Volognat have public transportation?**
Yes, the commune is served by the Gare de Nurieux railway station, which provides regional rail connections. This infrastructure links the rural area to larger towns and cities in the Ain department and beyond.

**What is the historical significance of the commune's creation?**
The 1973 merger reflects France's post-war efforts to rationalize local governance by consolidating small municipalities. Nurieux-Volognat's formation is part of a broader pattern of administrative reorganization that continues to shape rural France today.

## Why It Matters
Nurieux-Volognat represents the enduring structure of rural French governance and the challenges of maintaining small communities in modern Europe. As a product of 1970s municipal consolidation, it illustrates France's approach to balancing local identity with administrative efficiency. The commune's stable population of around 1,000 residents contributes to the demographic and cultural fabric of the Ain department, while its railway connection demonstrates France's commitment to maintaining infrastructure in rural areas. In the broader context of European rural development, Nurieux-Volognat serves as a microcosm of how small municipalities navigate economic, social, and administrative pressures while preserving local heritage.

## Notable For
- **Municipal Merger**: One of many French communes created in the 1970s through administrative consolidation
- **Rural Stability**: Maintained a consistent population around 1,000 residents despite broader rural depopulation trends
- **Transport Infrastructure**: Home to Gare de Nurieux, providing essential rail access in a rural area
- **Administrative Longevity**: Has operated continuously as a unified commune for over 50 years
- **Geographic Position**: Located in the scenic Ain department near the Jura Mountains and Swiss border

## Body

### Administrative Structure and Governance
Nurieux-Volognat operates as a standard French commune, the basic unit of local government in France. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Ain department (created in 1790) and the arrondissement of Nantua, one of four arrondissements in Ain. The commune is governed by a municipal council (*conseil municipal*) led by a mayor (*maire*), elected by local residents. This structure reflects France's decentralized administrative system, where communes have authority over local matters such as urban planning, schools, and public services.

As part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Nurieux-Volognat benefits from regional development programs while maintaining local autonomy. The commune's creation in 1973 was part of a national trend where smaller municipalities merged to improve administrative efficiency and resource allocation. This consolidation allowed for better coordination of services like waste management, road maintenance, and public transportation.

### Demographic Evolution
Population data for Nurieux-Volognat shows significant growth following its 1973 merger. Early figures from the 1960s (prior to consolidation) show populations of 567 and 656 for the constituent villages. After merger, the population steadily increased:
- 1970s-1980s: 856 (1975), 952 (1982)
- 1990s: 1,045 (1990), 1,044 (1999)
- 2000s-2020s: 1,025 (2006), 1,008 (2011), 990 (2016), 1,025 (2020)

This growth pattern contrasts with many rural French communes that experienced depopulation during the same period. The stability suggests successful local policies or economic factors that retained residents. The population density remains low, typical of rural Ain, with residents spread across the commune's territory.

### Geographic and Transportation Context
The commune is situated in eastern France's Ain department, characterized by its proximity to the Jura Mountains and the Swiss border. The coordinates (46.180277777778°N, 5.5219444444444°E) place it in a region known for its lakes, forests, and agricultural land. This geographic position influences the local economy, which likely includes agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

Transportation infrastructure is a key feature, with Gare de Nurieux providing rail service. This station connects the commune to the regional rail network, facilitating commutes to larger towns like Nantua (the arrondissement capital) and beyond. The railway's presence is particularly notable given the commune's rural character, demonstrating France's commitment to maintaining public transportation in less densely populated areas.

### Historical Development
The creation of Nurieux-Volognat on March 1, 1973, marked a significant administrative change. The merger of Nurieux and Volognat was part of France's *fusion des communes* (municipal merger) policy, which aimed to reduce administrative costs and improve service delivery in rural areas. This policy was particularly active during the 1960s and 1970s, with hundreds of communes merging nationwide.

Before consolidation, both villages had centuries-long histories as separate entities. The merger preserved local identities while creating a more viable administrative unit. The commune's 50-year history as a unified entity demonstrates the success of this policy in maintaining rural governance structures.

### Economic and Social Characteristics
While specific economic data isn't provided, the commune's rural location suggests an economy based on:
- Agriculture (likely dairy and crop farming, common in Ain)
- Forestry (given the Jura Mountains' proximity)
- Small-scale commerce serving local residents
- Tourism (potential for outdoor recreation given the natural surroundings)

The stable population indicates a balanced local economy that has avoided the severe depopulation affecting some rural areas. The presence of a railway station suggests some residents may commute to nearby urban centers for employment.

### Relationship to Broader French Systems
Nurieux-Volognat exemplifies several key aspects of French governance:
1. **Decentralization**: As a commune, it exercises local authority while operating within departmental and regional frameworks
2. **Transport Policy**: The maintained railway station reflects France's national commitment to rural connectivity
3. **Rural Development**: Its demographic stability contributes to discussions about sustaining rural populations
4. **Administrative Reform**: Serves as a case study for France's municipal merger policies

The commune's existence also highlights the importance of small municipalities in France's political landscape, where mayors often play significant roles in national politics through associations like the *Association des Maires de France*.

### Cultural and Community Aspects
While specific cultural details aren't provided, communes like Nurieux-Volognat typically feature:
- Local festivals celebrating agricultural heritage
- Community centers (*mairies*) serving as social hubs
- Sports clubs and cultural associations
- Participation in regional traditions of the Ain department

The commune's website ([nurieux-volognat.fr](http://www.nurieux-volognat.fr)) likely serves as a primary source for local news, events, and administrative information, typical of modern French municipal communication strategies.

### Comparative Context
Compared to other French communes:
- It is smaller than urban communes but larger than many rural ones
- Its population stability is notable in a country where rural depopulation is common
- The railway infrastructure is relatively robust for its size
- Its 1973 creation date places it in a specific historical period of French administrative reform

Nurieux-Volognat thus represents a successful example of France's approach to rural governance, balancing local identity with administrative efficiency.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
6. Populations légales 2016
7. Populations légales 2017
8. Populations légales 2018
9. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
10. Populations légales 2019
11. Populations légales 2020
12. Populations légales 2021
13. Populations de référence 2022
14. Populations de référence 2023
15. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
16. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
17. GeoNames
18. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
19. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)